Living In A Land Down Under

It's ineffable, I know I won't be able to find words sufficient enough to describe the feelings, but maybe I can at least find words that can evoke the feeling of certain moments. I never would have believed there was anywhere in the world with a sky so blue or full of so many stars, beaches so magical, people so humble, moments so ephemeral that to capture all of the senses is impossible. Seemed like an opportune time to start a journal. ~Paula Carlson 2000

Celebrating Australia Day does have its controversy, as it marks the landing of Colonial ships on Australia's shore. The mistreatment of the aboriginal indigenous population is still being reconciled, but at least they are taking the steps to do so. Their plight highlighted, always be a man who was ahead of the time, by David Bowie in his Let's Dance video, showing the prejudice against the native population. 

Now let's talk about the Irish? Sentenced to Van Diemen's Land for various crimes, the thought was to banish them away from the mischief they were causing in Ireland. Their suffering captured by Bobby Sands in a poem that was later turned into the song Back Home in Derry.

Van Dieman's land is a hell for a man
To live out his life in slavery.
When the climate is raw and the gun makes the law.
Neither wind nor rain cares for bravery.

And let's not forget about Australia's sacrifice in World War I. Ever wonder why there is so much pride and remembrance when it comes to ANZAC Day? 10,000 men of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzacs) died in 1915 in their first ever campaign.

Australia has become a stereotype,  banished to the barbecues, beer, and Vegemite category thanks to Crocodile Dundee and Men at Work.  But Australia is a bit more deep than that. Being a good 'mate is what typifies an Aussie. They either love you or they don't When they love you, they will never forget about you. They're funny, hard working, and loyal. Think of Steve Irwin when you think of Australia. 

Australia is a land filled with gangrenous and beautiful animals, beautiful landscape, and newfound respect and appreciation for the aboriginal rights and their land.

Australia has also given us some wonderful talent, great movies, and delicious food (well, not all Aussie food has Vegemite associated with it).

Music (alphabetically)
 AC/DC
Air Supply
Bee Gees

Nick Cave 
The Church
Crowded House
Divinyls
Natalie Imbruglia
INXS
Olivia Newton John
Little River Band
Men at Work
Madison Avenue 
Midnight Oil
Kylie Minogue
Dannii Minogue
Powderfinger

Savage Garden
*Spotify Australia Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1aIjraFLZogR1uhup361KZ

Movies

Crocodile Dundee

Gailpoli
Mad Max
Muriel's Wedding
Ned Kelly
Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Food (And Drink)
Bundaberg Rum
Lamingtons
Meat Pies
Pavolva
Tim Tams
Vegemite 
Victoria Bitter beer

When you see the Southern Cross for the first time
You understand now why you came this way
'Cause the truth you might be runnin' from is so small
But it's as big as the promise, the promise of a comin' day ~Crosby, Stills, and Nash